Matt Kaplan

Matt Kaplan, science correspondent at The Economist and author of I Told You So!, tells short biosketches of scientists who were mocked then proven right. They discuss why institutions and careers protect consensus. They explore mRNA’s long slog to success, historical medical backlash like childbed fever, and how funding, replication, and peer review shape which ideas survive.

Matt Kaplan, science journalist and trained paleontologist at The Economist, tours the missteps of modern science. He tells the Semmelweis handwashing saga and why infection rates plunged. He contrasts Karikó's protection with Semmelweis's fate. He dives into the replication crisis, funding pressures, gatekeeping, and how journalism often mangles scientific process.

Matt Kaplan, science correspondent and author of I Told You So, explains why many brilliant researchers were sidelined. He tells stories from Galileo to mRNA pioneers. The conversation covers pandemic-era research pressures, paleontology’s clues about past climates, and how politics and ethics shape scientific careers.

Simon Rabinovich, American economics editor, discusses the economic repercussions of Russia's war, detailing how rising commodity prices challenge central banks. Sophie Petter, Paris bureau chief, analyzes the French election's dynamics as Macron navigates voter sentiments influenced by the conflict. Meanwhile, Matt Kaplan highlights the disruption of critical research at Chernobyl due to ongoing warfare, focusing on the ecological impact and the halt of studies on wildlife resilience. Together, they unravel the complex interplay between war, politics, and economics.

Susanna Savage, South Asia correspondent for The Economist, dives into The Gambia's groundbreaking genocide case against Myanmar, uncovering the ongoing plight of the Rohingya people. She discusses the severe repercussions of the military coup and the dire conditions in refugee camps. Meanwhile, Matt Kaplan shares fascinating research about how noise pollution negatively affects plant health, exploring the surprising ways that plants react to urban stressors. Together, they shed light on crucial geopolitical issues and the silent struggles of nature.

Susanna Savage, a South Asia expert at The Economist, David Rennie, the Beijing bureau chief, and science correspondent Matt Kaplan delve into significant themes. They discuss The Gambia's groundbreaking genocide case against Myanmar, exploring its potential impact on the Rohingya crisis and Aung San Suu Kyi's controversial role. The conversation then pivots to Nixon's historic visit to China, drawing parallels to present geopolitics. Additionally, Kaplan reveals fascinating research on how noise pollution adversely affects plant life, stressing their unique environmental responses.

Join Alexandra Sewage-Bass, a senior correspondent at The Economist, as she delves into Florida's shifting political landscape and Ron DeSantis's rise in the 2024 presidential race. Elise Burr discusses the evolving dynamics of divorce laws in affluent nations, highlighting a trend towards more amicable separations. Matt Kaplan sheds light on the ecological implications of the Sumatran rhino's potential extinction, emphasizing its critical role in the ecosystem and the challenges surrounding conservation efforts.

Alexandra Sewage-Bass, a senior correspondent for politics at The Economist, discusses Governor Ron DeSantis's rise in Florida politics and his potential presidential ambitions. Elise Burr highlights changing divorce laws, making the process easier and more amicable across wealthy nations. Meanwhile, Matt Kaplan addresses the dire ecological impact of the Sumatran rhino's looming extinction, which threatens biodiversity and the rainforest ecosystem. Together, these topics paint a vivid picture of political, social, and environmental shifts in Florida and beyond.

Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, dives into the ongoing protests in Myanmar, examining how boycotts of army-owned businesses serve as a subtle form of resistance against the military coup. He discusses the economic impact of these actions and their potential to affect the junta's financial struggles. Meanwhile, Matt Kaplan, science correspondent, explores the surprising role of Neanderthal DNA in determining COVID-19 severity, revealing both harmful and protective variants across different populations.

Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the innovative boycott tactics emerging in Myanmar as citizens resist military rule. He explores the profound economic impact these actions might have on the junta and local businesses. Meanwhile, Matt Kaplan discusses how fragments of Neanderthal DNA influence COVID-19 susceptibility, revealing both harmful and beneficial effects. Their engaging dialogue connects pressing social movements with the intricacies of genetics, offering a unique perspective on current global challenges.